Coin changer for vending machines



June 5, 1951 c. F. HARRIS |COIN CHANGER FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed April 29, 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

0/5/91 25 F. #6895 82am! W3 HTTOFA/E r C. F. HARRIS -COIN CHANGER FOR VENDING MACHINES June 5, 1951 7 heetS-snet 2 Filed April 29, 1943 INVENTOR.

June 5, 1951 c. F. HARRIS 2,555,486

com CHANGER FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed April 29, 1945 7 Sheefcs$heet s Q F/g. 4

INVENTOR. GH iELES E f/GEEA? HTTOFA/EV June 5, 1951 c. F. HARRIS 2,555,486

.COIN CHANGER FOR VENDING MACHINES INV'ENTOR. F/y. 9 CHE/ 1.55 r." M922 5 June 5, 1951 c. F, HARM 2,555,486

.com CHANGER FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed April 29, 1945 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 0mm 53 f AWE/W5 5 25 INVENTOR. BYW l lfiglfm Patented June 5, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COIN CHANGER FOR VENDING MACHINES Charles F. Harris, Chicago, 111.

Application April 29, 1943, Serial No. 485,081

16 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a control device for vending machines such as that used to release bottles of soft drink from a cooler upon the deposit of a coin. More specifically, the invention relates to a vending machine control device which accepts any one of three coins, release a single article which is on sale and returns the coins necessary to make the required change.

It is an object of the invention to provide automatic means for returning change required upon the purchase of an article.

Another object of the invention is to provide proper signals to indicate the condition of the machine.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a machine which is easily attachable to a vending machine.

Still another object is to provide means for rejecting coins deposited when the machine cannot return the proper change.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for displaying the last deposited coin of denominations higher than a nickel.

Yet another object of the invention is to direct all nickels deposited to the pay out tube.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means for holding the coin return motor energized, when a quarter is deposited, until the required change is returned.

A further object of the invention is to provide a circuit interrupting, thermostatic switch.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide tax collection means.

Another object of the invention is to provide means operable upon deposit of one cent for conditioning the machine to operate upon the deposit of an operating coin.

These and other objects will be apparent from a Study of this specification in connection with the drawings which are attached hereto and made a part hereof, and in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the control mechanism with the case removed showing the operating mechanism generally.

Figure 2 is an end elevation taken from the left of Figure 1 showing the various contact mechanisms.

Figure 3 is an end elevation taken from the right of Figure 1.

Figure l is a plan view taken from the bottom of Figure 1 showing the coin slide.

Figure 5 is a top plan View showing the control motor and the control switches.

Figure 6 is an elevation of the mechanism of Figure 5.

Figure '7 is a view showing the change tube and the overflow chute, together with the change ejecting slide.

Figure 8 is a front view of the coin chute and display opening.

Figure 9 is a side view showing the mechanism of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a wiring diagram.

Figure 11 is a front elevation showing the tax collection unit.

Figure 12 is an end elevation of the mechanism of Figure 11 taken from the right thereof.

Figure 13 is a top view of the mechanism of Figure 11.

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 11 but with the switch mechanism chute and solenoid removed to show the slot closing mechanism.

Figure '15 is a broken away View of the coin chutes and the switch operating levers.

Figure 16 is a partial, sectional view taken on line Iii-46 of Figure 2 showing the quarter chute, switch and lever.

Figure 17 is a partial, sectional view taken on line illl of igure 2 showing the dime chute, switch and lever.

Figure 18 is a partiaLsectional view taken on line I8-li of Figure 2 showing the nickel chute, switch and lever.

Figure 19 is an elevation of the thermostatic switch.

Figure 20 is a partial, sectional view taken on line 2El2ii of Figure 3 showing the nickel rejecting mechanism and associated parts.

Figure 21 is a partial section taken on line 2|-2l of Figure 5 showing certain control switches and operating means therefore.

Figure 22 is a view of the preferred form (if thermostatic switch.

Figure 23 is a diagram showing the position of the thermostatic switch of Figure 22 in the wiring.

Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawing, the numeral i represents the back plate which serves as the rear of the machine and also as the element upon which the other parts of the mechanism are mounted.

The mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 3 and bounded by the lines 5 is a coin sorting and selecting mechanism which will 'be referred to hereafter as a slug rejector. This device forms no part of the present invention but is necessary to insure that the various coins enter the mechanism of the invention at particular points and the slugs are rejected so as to not operate the machine.

The rejector preferred is that made by National Slug Rejectors, Inc., Model 2005, which is disclosed in Patent No. 2,064,425 issued December 15, 1936, to John Gottfried. Of course, any similar device capable of handling nickel, dime and quarter coins could be used if desired.

A receiving chute I is provided in the top of the rejector mechanism and a rejection chute 9 is provided at the lower, right corner for guiding any rejected slugs or coins to the return chutes II and I2 by means of which they will be conducted to a tray, not shown, and be made available to the depositor.

Three chutes I3, I and H are provided at the lower, left corner (Fig. 1) of the rejector for each of the coins, the dime, quarter and nickel respectively. See Figs. 15, 16, 17 and 18 for details.

A switch lever I9 having an arm 2| is pivotallymounted on a shaft 23 which is supported in the channel plate 25 fixed to one side of the rejector (Fig. 16). The arm is disposed under the chute'I5 so as to be operated by a quarter which leaves the chute. The lever, as it is rotated in a clockwise direction, will close the contacts of switch 2'? and energize a circuit which will be later described. The lower end of the outer blade 29 of the switch rests upon an insulated rod 3| so as to prevent accidental closing of the switch due to pounding on the machine. The inner blade is held under tension against lever I9.

A second switch lever 53 is also mounted on the shaft 23 adjacent lever 2! (Fig. 1'7).

This lever has an arm 35 which is long enough to extend under the chute I3 so that it will be operated by a dime passing through the chute and will consequently actuate switch 31, similar in construction to 27, which will energize a second circuit, as will be described below.

A third lever 39 (Fig. 18) also pivoted on the shaft adjacent lever 33, has an arm AI which extends under the chute IT and is operated by a nickel leaving the chute to close switch 43, similar to 21 and 31, to energize another circuit which will be later described.

These switches are all shown in Figure 2. It will also be noted by comparing Figures 1, 8, 9 and to 18 that the chute I5 is in direct alignment with a receiving chute 45 which serves to guide the quarter, after it has actuated lever I9, to a position on top of a dump door 41 underneath the sight opening 49.

A second receiving chute 5! extends directly underneath the chute I3 and guides the dime, after it passes the lever 33, to a position on the door 41.

A third receiving chute 53 extends underneath the chute I1 and guides the nickel, after it passes the lever 39, transversely into the change storage tube '55 (Fig, '7).

The door 41 (Figs. 8 and 9) is mounted on a shaft 51 which is operated by a lever 59 carrying a pin 5I. The latter enters a groove 53 in the armature 55 of a solenoid 61 (Figs. 1 and 2). The pin extends beyond the armature and is adapted to close a switch 69 as the armature is drawn into dumping position by the solenoid. The latter is mounted on the back plate I.

Referring now to Figures 1, 4 and 7, the change tube 55 is mounted on the web II of the angle plate 13, which is attached to the plate I, by means of the plate I5 fixed to the tube.

'A slide TI is confined for longitudinal movement between H and 75 and has an upturned ear I9 which is notched to enter a groove 8I in the 4 armature 83 of solenoid 85. A spring 81 which is attached to the ear I9 and to a fixed member urges the armature and slide to the position shown in Figure 7. The armature 83, when actuated by the solenoid 85, closes by means of pin I92, a switch I to energize a circuit E, described below, which includes the dispensing solenoid 61.

The slide is provided with a circular hole 89 and a notch 9|. The former is normally in alignment with the tube 55, while the second is normally in alignment with a hole 93 in plate I5 which receives coins which spill over from the top of tube 55 and are guided by the chute 95 to the hole.

A second slide 91 is mounted between slide 11 and guides 99 which are fixed to the web I5. A projection IE9 is formed on slide 91 for manual operation of the slide. The slide is mounted in a slot IIlI in the web 'II. A spring I93 is mounted between a pin I05 mounted on web II and a pin I01 set in the slide 97. A hole I09 formed in the slide is normally out of alignment with the coin tube and is adapted to be moved into alignment with the tube and hole 89 in slide 'II so that the nickels in the tubecan be emptied into the coin box I II! for accounting purposes.

When the slide TI is moved to the right by the solenoid 85, the lowermost coin which rests in th hole 89 is stripped from underneath the stack of coins and moved into alignment with hole I99 and the coin is dropped into the coin return receptacle (not shown).

A feeler lever III is mounted on a bracket II3 which is mounted on web iI. The lever has a projection I I 5 which enters the tub (Figs. 1 and 4) through a slot at a height such that at least four nickels must be in the tube 55 to hold the projection out of the tube. The upper end of the lever engages a lever H5 which is pivotally mounted on a shaft II! on the body of a switch I I 9 so as to operate the switch button I 2| to open the switch when the projection I I5 is cammed out of the tube by coins in the tube.

A solenoid I23 is mounted on the plate I and has pivoted on a projection I25 on its frame a lever I21 which carries two arms I29 and I3I. Each arm has a turned in end I 33 and I 35, respectively, which enter the paths of genuine dime and quarter coins at a point where the coin will be deflected into the path which will return it to the coin rejection chute 9. A spring I 3'! holds the arms in position with the ends of the arms in deflecting position.

The solenoid is controlled by the switch II9 so that when there are not suflicient coins in the change chute 55 to'return change for the largest coin which can be used in the machine, in this case a quarter, the solenoid will be deenergized and the arms I29 and I5I will be positioned to deflect the coins to the return chute. Arm I29 blocks the quarter chute and arm I3I blocks the dime chute.

A control solenoid I39 (Figs. 1 and 2) is mounted on the back plate and is provided with an armature MI which is connected to operate a bell crank I43 which carries a switch operator I45. The operator Hi5 serves to close switch I 41-448 and switch I 49 and to open switch I4I--II'II when the solenoid I39 is energized.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, numeral I5I indicates a frame which is adapted to be mounted on the case (not shown) above the plate 1. The frame comprises side plates I53 and I55. A stator I5! i mounted between the plates and a field coil I59 is mounted on the stator. An armature I6I is mounted upon a shaft I63 journalled in the side plates. The shaft I63 carries a gear I65 which drives gear I61 'on shaft I'M. A gear I69 on shaft I1I drives gears I13 and I15 on shaft I11. Gear I drives a gear I19 on the cam shaft I83.

A one-lobe cam I85 and a four-lobe cam I81 are mounted on shaft I83. A switch I89 is disposed to be actuated by cam I85 and a switch I9I is disposed to be actuated by cam I81. Both switches are mounted on the side plate I53.

A nickel reject magnet I93 is mounted on the plate I (Figs. 3 and 20) and is provided with an armature I95 which is normally held away from the magnet by spring I91. A switch I99 is adapted to be actuated by the tappet 20! which is on the switch. A projection I94 on the armature enters an opening I96 in the coin selector and is normally held in the nickel chute by spring I91 to cause the nickel to be rejected.

Tax collecting mechanism In some instances it is necessary to collect a penny for eachfive-cent article dispensed. To accomplish this, the mechanism shown in Figures 11, 12, 18 and 14 is provided. The back plate 263 supports brackets 205 which, in turn, support a vertical plate 201 at right angles to the back plate. A chute 209 is formed in the plate and is adapted to receive a coin through a slot 2! I in the back plate.

A switch 2 I3 is mounted, by means of a support 2I6, at 2I5 on the vertical plate and a fulcrum 2 I1 extends upwardly beyond the end of the switch blades 2 I6. A switch operator 2 I9 is pivotally mounted in the fulcrum and is bent to pass behind one blade 2I8. The lower end of the operator is bent inwardly and enters a slot 22I in plate 291 at one edge of the chute 209. When a penny drops through the chute, the operator will be rotated clockwise (Fig. 12) and will close the switch.

A closure 223 is pivotally mounted on the plate 203 at 225 and is movable to open or close the slot 2| I. one edge which has two edges 221 and 223 and a locking shoulder 23I. An operating and locking lever 233 (Fig. 14) is pivotally mounted at 235 on plate 203 and has a nose 231 which acts against the edge 221 to move the closure to its closed position and also acts against the shoulder to hold the closure in the closed position.

A horizontal rib 239 is provided on the nose which is adapted to support the end 2M of a lever which is pivotally mounted on a bracket which is fixed to plate 261. The end 24! of the lever is weighted at 243 and curved to carry the weight out of vertical alignment with the pivot. This end of the lever rests against the rib 239.

The lower end 235 of the lever is provided with a hook 231 which lies under the chute 209 to prevent a coin from dropping from the chute. A spring 239 tends to rotate the closure 223 to the open position and a spring 25I tends to rotate the lever 233 clockwise to the locking position. A stop 250 limits this rotation. The closure abuts bracket 205 and its rotation is thus limited.

A solenoid 253 has an armature connected with a pin 255 on lever 233 and is adapted to rotate it counterclockwise to open the closure.

Lamps Three lamps are shown in the wiring diagram, Figure 10. Numeral 251 indicates a lamp disposed adjacent the opening 49, below which is The closure is provided with a notch in 6 displayed the dime or quarter which may be deposited. A second lamp 259 is controlled by the switch I99 and serves to light a sign which informs the customer that nickels only can be accepted. The third lamp 261 lights a sign (not shown) which advises the customer that the.

vending machine is empty.

Thermostatic switch Referring to Figure 22, the numeral 600 represents generally a thermostatic switch which. comprises an insulating mounting 602, which supports a switch 604 having contacts 606. An operating lever 638 is pivoted to 602 at 6 I Ii and is urged in a counterclockwise direction by spring 6I2. The lever has an arm 6M which is adapted to open the contacts and a latch arm 6I6 having a tooth 6 I8 which is engaged by a pawl formed of a hi-metallic strip 6 I 9 commonly used in thermostats. This strip is fixedly mounted on 602 and is urged toward engagement with the arm .6I6 by a spring 620. The tension of the spring is ad-' justed by set screw 622 mounted on 602.

Leads 624 and 636 are connected to opposite ends of the pawl and are preferably connected in the motor circuit, as shown in Figure 23. The bi-metallic strip is adapted to curve away from the latch tooth 6I8 as it heats so that if the motor circuit is energized for more than a predetermined length of time, say ten seconds, the period being adjustable by increasing or relaxing the tension of spring 620, the tooth 6I9 will be released and spring 6I2 will rock lever 608 counterclockwise and arm 6I4 will open contacts 606.

To reclose the switch a manually operable lever 626 is pivoted at 628 on 602 and has a forked end 639 which engages a third arm 632 on lever 698. Moving lever 626 counterclockwise will rotate lever 368 clockwise to permit the switch points to close. If the bi-metallic strip has cooled, it will again engage the tooth ISIS and hold switch 604 closed.

A modified form of thermostatic switch is shown in Figure 19, in which 263 is a piece of insulating material upon which is mounted an angle plate 265 which carries a contact point 261 and an adjusting screw 266.

A second angle plate 266 is also mounted on the insulator and carries a U-shaped, lei-metallic thermostat 269 which carries a contact point 21! Fixed to the same arm of the thermostat as the contact point, is a strip 213 which is bent on wardly at the top to receive the latch 215 which is pivotally mounted on plate 269. The latch is urged counterclockwise by a spring 211 and carries an arm 219 which can be actuated manually. Since the bi-metallic thermostat 269 is in series with the dispensing motor 350, should this motor continue to run, the thermostat will heat and. bend in a direction to open the contacts 26?, 2t I and stop the motor. As the contacts open, the strip 213 passes the tip of latch 215 and the contacts are held open until arm 219 is manually operated to release them. If the thermostat has cooled, the contact will be reclosed thereby. The heating time required to open the switch can be decreased to some extent by increasing the pressure of screw 266 on the free end of the bi-metallic strip.

Wiring diagram The wiring diagram of Figure 10 shows a circuit A which starts at a terminal 28I, which is preferably connected to a volt source of elec tri'city, and. passes through wire 283, penny switch 2l3, wires 29!, 289 and 288, nickel solenoid I93, wires 281, 285, 3I8, normally closed delivery switch 286, wire 288, normally closed switch 290, lines 292, 294 and 305 to terminal 293 which is connected to the source of electricity.

Energization of solenoid I93 withdraws the stop I94 from the nickel chute so that a nickel may be deposited. It also breaks switch I99 and closes switch I99I.

The primary winding of a step down transformer is energized from terminal 28! through a circuit AA comprising line 302, the primary winding 304, lines 308, 294 and 305 to terminal 293.

Deposit of a nickel, after switch 2I3 has been closed by a penny and stop I94 has been with drawn, will close switch 43 and establish a circuit B from terminal 28! through wires 283, switch 2I3, lines 29!, 289, 295, switch 43, wires 291, 299, coil 61, Wires 30!, 303, 349, 305 to terminal 293. This is a 110 volt circuit and energizes the coil 61 and closes the switch 69 to establish a circuit C to the dispensing motor.

This circuit C runs from terminal 28! through wire 308, dispensing motor 3I0, line 3I2, relay coil 3I4, line 3I9, switch 59, lines 3| I, 3I8, switch 286, line 288, switch 290, lines 292, 294 and 305 to terminal 293. This circuit may include the thermostatic switch 21! which will open automatically if the motor circuit remains closed for longer than a predetermined time-say ten seconds. This switch, when it opens to prevent unloading the machine, must be reset manually.

As soon as the relay 3I4 is energized, a shunt or holding circuit C-C is set up from 28!, line 308, switch 21 I, motor 3 I 8, line 3 I2, relay 3I4, contacts 320, a part of 3! I, line 3I8, switch 288, line 288, switch 290, lines 292, 294 and 305 to terminal 293. This circuit is broken by the passage of a bottle past shoe 322 which opens switch 288.

When a dime is deposited, the switch 31 is closed by the passage of a dime. Closure of this switch closes acircuit D from terminal 293 through lines 305, 32! to coil 85, line 323, switch 31, lines 295, 289, 29!, switch 2!!! and line 283 to terminal 28!. A nickel is thus ejected from coin tube I I3. Energization of coil 85 causes closure of switch I and a circuit E running from terminal 23!, lines 283, switch 2I3, lines 29!, 289, 295, 33!, switch !41I41I, line 333, switch I98, line 335, switch I89, lines 331, 299, coil 61, lines 30!, 393,

349, 305 to terminal 293.

The energization of solenoid 61 closes switch 69 to energize the delivery circuits C and CC as described above.

When a quarter is deposited, the switch 21 is closed and a circuit 29 is energized as follows: from terminal 28!, line 283, switch 2I3, lines 29!, 289, 295, switch 21, lines 339, 34!, solenoid I39, lines 343, 383, 349 and 395 to terminal 293.

Energization of solenoid I39 closes switch I49 to establish a circuit G as follows: terminal 28!, line 283, switch 2I3, lines 29!, 289, 295, 33!, switch I49, lines 345, 299, solenoid 61, lines 30!, 303, 349, 305 to terminal 293. The energization of solenoid 61 closes the switch 89 and circuits C and C-C and causes operation of the dispensing motor as described above.

Energization of solenoid I39 also opens switch !41--I41! and closes switch I41!48 to establish circuit H as follows: from terminal 28!, line 283, switch 2 I3, lines 29!, 289,295,33I,switch I41-I48, line 341, contact operating motor I59, lines 349, 305 to terminal 293.

'As the motor I59 starts, the cam I will open switches I89 and 202 and will close switch 200 to energize the holding circuit I through motor I59 as follows: terminal 28!, line 283, switch 2I3, lines 29!, 289, 295, 33!, 35!, switch 200, lines 353, 341, motor I59, lines 349, 305 to terminal293,

Th motor drives the cam I81 and this element will close switch I9! four times in succession. The switch I9! closes the circuit J as follows: terminal 28!, line 283, switch 2l3, lines 29!, 289, 295, 33!, 35!, switch 200, lines 353, 359, switch I9!, lines 351, 323, coil 85, lines 32! and 305 to terminal 293. V

The pay out coil is energized four times to pay out four nickels. The switch I09 is closed upon each operation of coil 85, but the circuit E controlled by it is not energized because switch I89 is open.

After the fourth energization of 85, the switch 280 is opened and switches 202 and I39 are closed. The motor I59 is denergized and the mechanism is conditioned for a succeeding operation.

It should be here noted that every circuit which is closed only so long as switch 21, 31 or 43 is closed will be energized only momentarily, because the checks pass on and these switches are opened immediately after the passage of a coin.

When the current is not applied to terminal 28! by reason of failure of the power supply or when the vending machine is empty (and in the latter case switch 298 is open), the circuit A is V deenergized and solenoid I93 will not be energized. The switch I99 will therefore be closed. If the machine is merely empty but power is available at the terminals, switch I99 closes the circuit K from secondary 298 through line 383, switch.!99, line 385 to lamp 29! which illuminates a window which bears the inscription Empty, through lines 3i5, 3E1 to the other side of the secondary.

When solenoid I 93 is energized, the switch I99! is closed and the circuit L is set up from the secondary of the transformer 298, line 3B3, switch !99!, lines 381, 369 to lamp 251 which illuminates the coin window 89, thence by way of lines 380, 3I5 and 3 I 1 to the opposite side of the secondary.

When the switch H9 is closed, and it is closed so long as there are four nickels in the pay out tube 55, the circuit M is energized as follows: terminal 28!, line 283, switch 2I3, lines 29!, 213, switch II9, line 31!, solenoid I23, lines 285, 3I8, switch 288, line 288, empty switch 290, lines 292, 294 and 385 to terminal 293. Thus when the machine is empty and switch 299 is open, magnet I23 will be deenergized and fingers I33 and I35 will reject all dimes and quarters.

The solenoid I23 holds the switch 315 open, but when circuit M is opened by switch H9, the switch 315 closes the circuit N which is as follows: secondary 298, line 363, switch I991, line 391, lamp 259 which illuminates a window bearing the legend Nickels Only, line 311, switch 315, line 3I1 to the other side of the secondary.

It should be here mentioned that the coil 253 and switch 2I3 are used only if it is necessary to collect a one-cent coin for each other coin used. Wherein the article is sold for a nickel, these elements will be omitted.

Where used, the coil 253 is connected at one end to line 283 between switch 2! 3 and the terminal 28!, and thence by wire 253! to lines 285, 3 I9, switch 288, line 288, switch 290, lines 293, 294, 805 to terminal 293. This constitutes circuit X which is normally'energized. The solenoid 253 being normally energized, the slot (Figure 14) is 9 normally open to receive a penny and the hook 24'! (Figs. 11 and 12) is disposed under chute 299 to hold the penny in the switch closing position.

Thus when a penny is deposited, the switch 9I3 is closed and the circuit A is closed so that a nickel or other coin will be accepted.

When the switch 286 is opened by the passage of a dispensed bottle, the circuit X will be broken and solenoid 253 will be deenergized. Spring I will move the parts to the Figure 11 position, closing slot Zll and withdrawing element 241. The penny will then drop and permit the switch to open.

As soon as the switch 286 is again closed, the parts will return to the original position and another penny may be inserted. The switch 2I9 will of course be open.

The thermostatic switch 650, which is preferred to switch 29L-2'II, may be inserted in the line 395 which is common to all of the 110 volt circuits. In the event one of the switches 21, 3? or 43 or any other contacts should become stuck and hold the circuit through motor 3I9 for a time beyond that for which the thermostatic switch is set, the switch will open and prevent unloading the machine or overheating of any of the electrical equipment. This time may be varied by the adjusting screw 622. When the thermostatic switch is open, it must be manually closed. If the difliculty has not been cleared, it will reopen again after the required circuit time has elapsed. It will be noted from Figure 23 that the bi-metallic strip is connected in the motor circuit, while the switch 699 itself is in the main line 395 ahead of any branches so that all circuits connecting into this wire will be protected.

Operation If we assume that the penny operated switch 2I3 and coil 253 are being used, the solenoid I93 will be energized by circuit A and the projection B94 is withdrawn from the nickel chute as soon as a penny is inserted so that nickels will be conducted through passage IT to close switch 43 instead of to the rejection chute. Energization of coil I93 closes circuit L which lights the lamp 251? over the coin display window 49 (Fig. 9.)

The circuit M is also normally closed to energize solenoid I23 if there are enough nickels in the pay out tube 55 to make change for twentyfive cents. The coil I23 also withdraws the pro- ,iections I35, I from the dime and quarter chutes so that either of these coins will be accepted as well as a nickel.

The deposit of a nickel will actuate switch 43 and the switch will in turn establish circuit B through solenoid 51 which will in turn momentarily establish the circuit C and start the motor 3! 9 of the dispensing machine. The holdin circuit 0-0 is also set up to hold the dispensing motor energized until it delivers the article, such as a bottle of soft drink. When the delivered bottle opens switch 286 as it is delivered, the holding circuit C-C is opened and the dispensing motor 3H! stops.

Energization of the coil 61 operates the shaft 51 and dumps any coin which may be on the door 47 into the coin safe. The deposited nickel, after operating lever 4| and switch 43, enters the passage 53 and is diverted to the coin or pay out tube 55.

A dime deposited in the machine will pass down chute I3 and will actuate lever 35 and switch 3'1. This switch will energize circuit D and the pay out solenoid B5. The solenoid will draw the slide TI to the right (Fig. '7) against the action of spring 81, and a nickel resting in the opening 89 in the slide which is disposed under the coin tube 55 will be pulled over into alignment with opening I99 in plate 91 and will drop into the pay out chute, which is not shown, but which will make the nickel available to the customer as his change.

The dime deposited will drop into the chute 5|, will be guided to the sight opening 49 and will be deposited on door 41.

At the same time that the above events are taking place, the solenoid B5 closes switch I99, to complete circuit E to energize coil 51, and this coil in turn closes switch 99 to close circuits C and CC which secure the delivery of an article from the dispenser as described above. The coil 5! also dumps the coin, previously positioned under the window 49, into the coin safe so that the dime just deposited will be held in view when it arrives at the window.

If a quarter is deposited, it will pass down chute I5 and actuate lever 2| and switch 2? to energize circuit F. Included in this circuit is the coil I39 which, when energized, closes switches I49 and I 4i-I48 and opens switches !41I4'II.

Switch I49 closes circuit G which energizes solenoid 61. This coil in turn closes switch 69 and energizes circuits C and C--C to the dispenser.

Closure of switch I4?I48 establishes circuit H which energizes motor I59. The motor turns cam which opens switches I89 and 7299 and closes switch 299 to establish circuit I which holds the motor energized.

As the motor continues to turn, the cam I81 closes the switch I9I four successive times. Closure of the switch I9I energizes circuit J to energize coil 85 four times. Upon each energization, the slide 1'! will eject a nickel in change as described above.

After the fourth operation of switch I9I, the cam I85 will open switch 299 and close 292 and I89 to restore the machine to its initial condition. The openin of switch 999 deenergizes circuit I and the motor I59.

If the supply of nickels in tube 55 falls below the level of finger H5, it will enter the tube and switch H9 will open circuit M and solenoid I 23 will be deenergized. The spring I31 will force the projections I33 and I35 into the dime and quarter chutes to deflect any such coins which may be deposited into the rejection chute I I'! 2.

At the same time, the switch 315 will be closed to energize the circuit N which lights the light 259 to indicate that only nickels may be used in the machine.

Should the dispensing machine be empty the circuits A and M are broken by empty switch 299 and coils I93 and I23 will be deenergized and projections I94, I35 and -I33 will enter nickel, dime and quarter chutes, respectively, to deflect coins to the rejection chute III2. The switch I99 will be closed to energize circuit K to light the empty lamp 26L When the volt power is off the same reaction as above will take place except that the lamp 26I will not light.

As is shown in Figures 10 to 14, when a penny is inserted in chute 209, it will drop and close the switch ZI3 which serves to close the circuit A and conditions the machine to receive a nickel. This structure is used where it is necessary to collect two coins as the price of the article being dispensed.

It is obvious that if the penny switch M3 is open, circuits A and M and magnets I93 and I23 will be deenergized to cause the rejection of any nickels, dimes or quarters which are thereafter inserted in the machine. Only a penny can be deposited. Similarly, any circuit which includes switch 2 l3 will not be supplied with power unless a penny has been inserted to hold the switch closed. If the power is off, all coins, including the penny, are rejected.

The empty lamp 26! may be omitted where the penny collecting mechanism and switch 213 are used because any coins inserted will be rejected and the penny cannot be deposited when the machine is empty. If the lamp is used with the penny collecting mechanism, it will be lighted until a penny is inserted.

When the circuit X is broken by the delivery of a bottle which momentarily opens switch 286 the solenoid 253 is deenergized. The spring 25| will return the parts to the Figure 11 position and release the penny which permits the switch 213 to open.

In the event the switch M3 and coil 253 are omitted, as will be the case when only one coin is needed to dispense the article, the circuit A will be energized at all times except when the switch 286 is open, when the switch 290 is open or when the poweris off. The opening of switch 286 occurs only momentarily at the time of passage of a dispensed bottle. 4

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the form, structure and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, applicant does not desire to be limited to thespecific embodiment disclosed herein primarily for purposes of illustration; but instead, he desires protection falling fairly within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim to be new and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a control mechanism for a dispensing device, the combinationof coin actuated switch, a change of storage chamber, a coin ejector associated therewith and adapted to eject coins therefrom, a motor adapted to be energized by said switch, means for holding said motorenergized after the switch energizing it is opened, an ejector switch adapted to energize said ejector, means operated by said motor for actuating said ejector switch a predetermined number of times, and'means for thereafter rendering said holding means ineffective.

2. In a control mechanism for a dispensing device, the combination of two coin actuated switches, a change storage chamber, a coin ejector associated with said chamber and adapted to eject coins therefrom, a solenoid connected to operate the ejector, means connecting said solenoid to be energized by one of said switches to eject a single coin for each closure of said switch, a motor, means responsive to the other of said switches for energizing said motor, a switch actuated by said motor to energize said solenoid a predetermined multiple number of times, a dispensing circuit controlled by said solenoid and means operable by said motor for disabling said dispensing circuit while the solenoid is being operated by said motor actuated switch.

3. In a control mechanism for a package dispensing device, the combination of a plurality of coin actuated dispensing switches, one for each coin accepted, a dispensing circuit, means common to and operable by each of said dispensing switches for energizing said dispensing circuit, chutes for conducting coins to said dispensing switches, means normally occupying said chutes in advance of said switches for rejectin coins, means including a primary circuit for rendering said rejecting means inoperative when said primary circuit is energized, and a coin controlled switch in said primary circuit for energizing the circuit upon deposit of a coin.

4. In a, control mechanism for a dispensing device, the combination Of a plurality of coin actuated switches, one for each coin accepted, chutes for conducting coins to said switches, a dispensing circuit, means common to and operable by each of said switches for energizing said dispensing circuit, means adapted to enter said chutes in advance of said switches for rejecting coins, means including a primary circuit for rendering said rejecting means inoperative, and a coin controlled switch in said primary circuit, said switch being normally open and adapted to be closed to energize the circuit upon the deposit of a coin.

5. In a coin operated switch mechanism, the combination of a coin chute, a switch, an actuator therefor positioned in said chute for contact by a coin and adapted to close said switch upon de posit of a coin, a closure for said chute, a solenoid connected for operation by said switch to operate said closure to close said chute, means operable by said solenoid for releasing said coin to open said switch, and means for returning the solenoid to its initial position upon opening of said switch.

6. In a control mechanism for a dispensing device, a plurality of coin actuated switches each adapted to actuate a dispensing device, means for conducting coins of a predetermined denomination to each switch, a coin safe, a change storage chamber adapted to receive coins of one denomination, means for conducting coins of said denomination from the switch receiving them to said chamber, unobstructed means for conveying coins of all other denominations to said safe, a gate disposed in said conveying means, and mounted for movement to and from a coin intercepting position, means responsive substantially instantaneously to the closing of any of said coin actuated switches for moving said gate from coin intercepting position, means for quickly returning said gate to position when said switch is opened to intercept the switch operating coin, and a window disposed adjacent said gate to display the coin which is intercepted thereby.

7. In a dispensing mechanism, the combination of a plurality of coin actuated dispensing switches, a dispensing circuit adapted to be energized by any of said dispensing switches, means for holding said dispensing circuit energized, a delivery switch disposed to be actuated upon the dispensing of an article to break the dispensing circuit, a coin operated control switch in series with said dispensing switches and adapted to supply power thereto, a normally closed circuit comprising a solenoid in series with the delivery switch, means actuated by said solenoid for holding a deposited coin in position to close said control switch, and means for moving said coin holding means out of holding position when said delivery switch is opened, whereby said control switch will be opened.

8. In a dispensing mechanism, the combination of a plurality of coin actuated dispensing switches, a dispensing circuit adapted to be energized by any of said dispensing switches, means for holding said dispensing circuit energized, a delivery switch disposed to be actuated upon the dispensing of an article to break the dispensing circuit, a coin operated control switch in series with said dispensing switches, and adapted to supply power thereto, a normally closed circuit comprising a solenoid in series with the delivery switch, means actuated by said solenoid for holding a coin in position to close said control switch, means for moving said coin holding means out of holding position when said delivery switch is opened, whereby said control switch will be opened, a coin return chute, additional chutes for conducting coins to said dispensing switches, deflector means mounted for movement into and out of said additional chutes, means for moving said deflectors into said chutes to deflect coins therefrom into said return chute, and means in series with said control switch for withdrawing said deflectors from said chutes when the control switch is closed.

9. In a dispensing mechanism, the combination of a, plurality Of coin actuated switches, chutes for conducting coins of the same denomination to a corresponding switch, a change coin chamber, means for conveying coins of a denomination not requiring change to said change coin chamber, additional unobstructed means for conveying coins of the remaining denominations from their corresponding switches to a coin safe, a single gate interposed in said additional conveying means and movable to from a position obstructing the passage of a coin to the safe, means responsive to the closing and opening of any of said coin actuated switches for rapidly moving said gate from and returning it to obstructing position to intercept the switch actuating coin, a window disposed adjacent said gate to display the coin held thereby, coin ejector connected with said change coin chamber, means including a single ejector operator, under control of predetermined ones of said coin actu ated switches for actuating said ejector the numher of times required to return change corresponding to the dispensing switch which was actuated.

10. In a dispensing mechanism, the combination of a plurality of coin actuated dispensing switches, chutes for conducting coins of the same denomination to a corresponding switch, a dispensing means, mean controlled by each switch for actuating said dispensing mechanism through a cycle, means for conveying coins of one denomination to a change coin chamber, additional means for conveying coins of the remaining denominations from their corresponding switches to a coin safe, a gate interposed in said additional conveying means and movable to and from a 100" sition obstructing the passage of a coin to the safe, means responsive to the closing of any of said dispensing switches for mOViIlg said gate from obstructing position, a window disposed adjacent said gate to display the coin held thereby, a coin ejector connected with said chamber, means under control of predetermined ones of said dispensing switches for actuating said ejector the number of times required to return change corresponding to the dispensing switch which was actuated, a coin return chute, deflectors mounted for movement into and out of position in said conducting chutes to deflect coins therefrom into said return chute, a normally energized circuit including a reject switch, and an electromagnet connected to the deflectors which enter the chutes receiving coins of said other denominations, said magnet when energized, serving to hold said deflectors out of position, means adapted to enter said change coin chamber when the coins therein fall below a predetermined level, and connected to open said reject switch.

11. In a dispensing mechanism, the combination of a plurality of coin actuated dispensing switches, chutes for conducting coins of the same denomination to a corresponding switch, a dispensing means, means controlled by each switch for actuating said dispensing mechanism through a cycle, means for conveying coins of one denomination to a change coin chamber, additional means for conveying coins of the remaining denominations from their corresponding switches to a coin safe, a gate interposed in said additional conveying means and movable to and from a position obstructing the passage of a coin to the safe, means responsive to the closing of any of said dispensing switches for moving said gate from obstructing position, a window disposed adjacent said gate to display the coin held thereby, a coin ejector connected with said chamber, means under control of predetermined ones of said dispensing switches for actuating said ejector the number of times required to return change, corresponding to the switch which was actuated, a coin. return chute, deflectors mount-- ed for movement into and out of position in certain of said conducting chutes to deflect coins therefrom into said return chute, a normally energized circuit including a reject switch and an electromagnet connected to the deflectors in the chutes receiving coins of said other denominations, said magnet when energized serving to hold said deflectors out of position, means adapted to enter said change coin chamber when the coins therein fall below a predetermined level, and connected to open said reject switch, and a second normally energized circuit including an electromagnet connected to the deflector in the chute receiving coins of said one denomination, said magnet when energized being adapted to hold said deflector out of said deflecting position.

12. In a dispensing mechanism, the combination of a plurality of coin actuated dispensing switches, chutes for conducting coins of the same denomination to a corresponding switch, a dispensing means, means controlled by each switch for actuating said dispensing mechanism through a cycle, means for conveying coins of one denomination to a change coin ch amber, additional means for conveying coins of the remaining denominations from their correspondin switches to a coin safe, a gate interposed in said additional conveying means and movable to and from a position obstructing the passage of a coin to the safe, means responsive to the closing of any of said dispensing switches for moving said gate from obstructing position, a window disposed adjacent said gate to display the coin held thereby, a coin ejector connected with said chamber, means under control of predetermined ones of said dispensing switches for actuating said ejector the number of times re quired to return change corresponding to the dispensing switch which was actuated, a coin return chute, deflectors mounted for movement into and out of position in said conducting chutes to deflect coins therefrom into said return chute, a normally energized circuit including a reject switch, and an electromagnet connected to the deflectors in the conducting chutes receiving coins of said other denominations, said magnet when energized serving to hold said deflectors out of position, means adapted to enter said change coin chamber when the coins therein fall below a predetermined level, and connected to open said reject switch and a second normally energized circuit including an electromagnet connected to the deflector in the chute receiving coins of said one denomination, said magnet when energized serving to hold said deflector out of said deflecting position, said second normally energized circuit including a switch, adapted to be held closed by an article in said dispensing means.

13. In a dispensing mechanism, the combination of a plurality of coin actuated dispensing switches, a dispensing circuit adapted to be energized .by any of said dispensing switches, means for holding said dispensing circuit energized, a delivery switch disposed to be actuated upon the dispensing of an article to break the dispensing circuit, a coin operated control switch in series with said dispensing switches and adapted to supply power thereto, normally active means for holding a deposited coin in position to close said control switch, and means for moving said coin holding means out of holding position when said delivery switch is opened, whereby said control switch will be opened.

14. In a dispensing mechanism, the combination of first and second coin actuated switches. means for conducting coins of one denomination and requiring one coin in change to the first switch and coins of a denomination requiring a predetermined number of coins in change to the second switch, a change coin storage chamber, an ejector associated therewith and adapted, upon each actuation, to eject a coin therefrom, an ejector motor for actuating said ejector, means comprising a circuit, including said motor, and controlled by said first switch for causing one actuation of said motor and ejector upon operation of said first switch, a payout motor, means comprising another circuit, including said ejector motor, and controlled by a payout switch, means under control of said second switch for energizing said payout motor for one cycle, means driven by said payout motor for closing and opening the payout switch during said cycle the predetermined number of times required to cause the number of actuations of said ejector motor and ejector required to eject said predetermined coins.

15. In a control mechanism for a dispensing device, the combination of a coin actuated switch, a change storage chamber, an actuat able coin ejector associated therewith and adapted, upon a single actuation, to eject a coin therefrom, a control device having a cycle of operation, means connecting said switch to start the cycle of said device, means controlled by said device for completing its cycle and means controlled by said device for actuating said ejector a predetermined, multiple number of times during said cycle.

16. In a control mechanism for a dispensing device, the combination of a coin actuated switch, a change storage chamber, a coin ejector associated therewith and adapted to eject coins therefrom, a motor connected to be energized by the switch, means for operating the motor REFERENCE S CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,582,659 Baker Apr. 27, 1926 1,658,167 Josepho Feb. 7, 1928 1,905,180 Lowther Apr. 25, 1933 1,968,500 Mills July 31, 1934 1,986,714 Clayton Jan. 1, 1935 2,008,735 Weiler July 23, 1935 2,058,637 Scott et al Oct. 27, 1936 2,075,989 J onneret et a1 Apr. 6, 1937 2,147,954 Kozel et a1 Feb. 21, 1939 2,189,740 Mills Feb. 6, 1940 2,250,051 Patzer July 22, 1941 2,256,976 Ford Sept. 23, 1941 2,262,322 Harris Nov. 11, 1941 2,271,397 McDermott Jan. 27, 1942 2,282,269 Tone May 5, 1942 2,309,873 Lay Feb. 2, 1943 2,323,255 Sutherland June 29, 1943 2,330,186 Jetseck et a1 Sept. 21, 1943 2,333,665 Mills Nov. 9, 1943 2,360,241 Kuhl Oct. 10, 1944 2,390,535 Higham Dec. 11, 1945 2,392,511 Thompson Jan. 8, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 335,914 Great Britain Sept. 29, 1930 

